1 IPM and Pesticide Use This IPM training program was developed by a partnership including the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Pennsylvania IPM Program, the National Pest Management Association, the National Center for Healthy Housing, and the Regional IPM Centers. Funding was provide by EPA, HUD, CDC, and USDA-NIFA. The materials contained herein present a research-based, balanced, and objective approach to pest management in affordable housing and are intended to be used in their entirety. Any nonobjective or partial use of the materials is not recommended. Products, vendors, or commercial services mentioned or pictured in the trainings or presentations are for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to be endorsements.

2 Outline HUD’s guidance on IPM IPM in practice Pesticides

3 Making homes healthy IPM is part of a nationwide Healthy Homes movement to reduce housing-based health hazards A healthy home is: –Dry –Clean –Ventilated –Safe –Contaminant-free –Maintained –Pest-free

HUD has three core programs for pest control Uniform Property Condition Standards—for project-based Section 8 properties Housing Quality Standards for Housing Choice Voucher units and project-based voucher programs (operated by public housing agencies) Promotion of Integrated Pest Management (PIH ) 4 What does HUD say about pest control?

Uniform Physical Condition Standards (UPCS) Infestation: presence of rats; or infestation by mice or insects, such as roaches or termites. Deficiency: evidence of infestation of insects—including roaches and ants— throughout a unit or room, especially in food preparation and storage areas. Deficiency: evidence of rats or mice: sightings, rat or mouse holes, droppings. 5

6 HUD’s Housing Choice Vouchers Housing Quality Standard (HQS) The dwelling unit and its equipment must be free of vermin and rodent infestation (m)(2) The site and neighborhood may not be subject to serious adverse environmental conditions, natural or manmade, such as... vermin or rodent infestations (l)(2) The exterior wall structure and surface must not have any serious defects that may result in air infiltration or vermin infestation (g)(2)

7 HUD’s conventional public housing Physical Survey Questions Presence of rats or severe infestations of mice or insects (cockroaches, termites) observed Cockroach infestation –More than one dead cockroach –Live cockroaches Rats, mice, or vermin –Droppings or chewable holes –One or more live rats or mice Other insects or vermin observed

8 HUD’s guidance on integrated pest management PIH guidance since 2006 “IPM offers the potential to ensure efficacy of pest elimination while protecting the health of residents, staff and the environment." “Most of the effective methods of pest elimination… will extend the useful life of a building and as a result generate significant savings that could offset the costs of the pest control.” "IPM effectively eliminates pests in safer and long term cost-effective ways than traditional pesticide treatments."

9 Applicable local housing codes Typical local housing code All structures shall be kept free from insect and rodent infestation All structures in which insects or rodents are found shall be promptly managed by approved processes that will not be injurious to human health Proper precautions shall be taken to prevent re-infestation

10 IPM does more than control pests Educating residents empowers them to improve their housekeeping and provides a marketable skill Fixing pest entrances helps to weatherize buildings and keep them dry Monitoring for pests allows for early intervention before the problem gets out of hand When people learn that they can do something to improve their living conditions, expectations for pest control will rise!

11 IPM in practice: Documentation is key One IPM log in each building Record: date detailed observations action taken Make sure action is taken promptly

IPM log contents Focus unit tracking sheet Service schedule Service log Applicator licenses Proof of insurance and business registration Contract/service agreement Potential notifications/ preparation instructions Product labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all pesticides Educational materials for staff and residents 12

13 At first more work, but then less Starting an IPM program may mean more work because of education, repairs, and monitoring Expect to see increased work orders as pests and pest-friendly conditions that were previously overlooked are reported THEN…you will get fewer complaints, have fewer pests, and be providing a better place to live

14 Another view Invest time and materials for repair and education Protect through exclusion, sanitation, and careful product choice based on least risk to human health and the environment and compatibility with other management practices Maintain with monitoring, communication, and documentation so that infestations do not grow

15 Pesticides Why do people tolerate exposure to pests and pesticides? They are used to living with problems Low standards for pest control and maintenance Other priorities Not aware of the problems Cannot envision a better way

16 Concerns with pesticides Pests can become tolerant of or avoid pesticides Risk from exposure may outweigh the benefit of killing pests Possible harm to pets and wildlife Certain populations may be especially vulnerable or sensitive to some pesticides: –Elderly, children, pregnant women –People with breathing or lung disorders such as asthma –People with chemical sensitivities

17 How to handle illegal and risky pesticides Educate residents on the dangers of using illegal pesticides. For example, pesticides that look like candy are risky. Report illegal sales to the EPA or to the state pesticide licensing agency. Unlabeled MothballsChinese ChalkTres Pasitos Products without a pesticide label are illegal

18 Washington, DC, August 2008 San Diego, CA, July 1992 Augusta, GA, March 2008 Total release foggers (there’s a reason they’re called bombs!)

Pesticide risk 19

20 Pesticide risk of exposure by application method Tamper- resistant station Total release fogger Less risk of exposure More risk of exposure Gel bait in a crevice

21 How to read a label Product name Active Ingredients Signal words: CAUTION = slightly toxic WARNING = moderately toxic DANGER = severe skin or eye irritation DANGER-POISON = highly toxic

22 How to read a label Registration number: “EPA Reg. No.” Precautionary Statements Directions for: –Use –Storage –Disposal

23 National Pesticide Information Center Poison Control Center National Hotline Product use and emergencies

24 Questions?